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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in precision working to set up and operate specialized and standard equipment to test the performance of components, assemblies and systems

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to carry out applied research in the fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists and engineers; and in diagnosing and analyzing the performance of components, assemblies and systems

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards; and in conducting and supervising the installation, commissioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Many biomedical engineering technologists work in hospitals. They inspect, maintain, repair and install biomedical equipment. This can include:

heart-lung machines

kidney dialysis machines

physiological monitors

lab equipment

ventilators

sterilizers

defibrillators

infusion devices

physiotherapy equipment

diagnostic imaging equipment

laser equipment

laparoscopic equipment

infant incubators

anesthesia apparatus

dental equipment.

Biomedical engineering technologists do performance assurance testing and preventive maintenance. This ensures equipment works properly and is safe. It can also reveal potential problems, which may save costly repairs and downtime.

They also inspect and test equipment to ensure quality and manage risks.

When a device is not working, they find out why. Sometimes the problem is simple or caused by user error. Other times they take the device out of service to look into the problem more. This may involve:

finding the fault

taking the device apart

repairing or replacing parts or circuit boards

calibrating the device

testing the device (before sending it back into service)

inspecting and testing accessories related to the device’s function

advising hospital staff and management if equipment needs to be replaced

doing preventive maintenance

negotiating terms of service with manufacturers or third-party service providers.

Biomedical engineering technologists advise on equipment specifications. They may also help assess proposed equipment and facility designs.

Biomedical engineering technologists may also:

write operating procedures

develop preventive maintenance protocols

install equipment or parts

check the quality of junior technologists’ work (in certain circumstances)

alter equipment to meet operating or research needs

teach hospital staff and researchers how to use equipment.

Biomedical engineering technologists may also work for medical equipment makers or distributors. In these roles, they:

Much of the work involves assessing equipment needs. They do this with doctors, administrators, engineers, and other professionals. Some may help design, develop, and test new medical equipment and products.

Technology is changing the nature of biomedical equipment. For example, x-ray machines now capture electronic images, while patient monitors communicate through wireless networks. To keep up, biomedical engineering technologists spend a lot of time studying manuals and attending training sessions.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 31, 2018

Most biomedical engineering technologists work standard office hours. Those who work in health care facilities may have to work shifts. These can include weekends and holidays. Some may be on call for emergencies. They may be exposed to diseases and hazardous materials. Depending on the setting, they may need to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and masks. Working in emergencies can be stressful.

Those who work for equipment makers or service companies may have to travel a lot.

Strength Required
Lift up to 20 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 31, 2018

Biomedical engineering technologists need to possess:

speaking and listening skills

the ability to be patient with people who may be upset

the ability to work well under pressure

the ability to do detailed, accurate work

the ability to work well on their own and as part of a team.

They should enjoy:

working in a health care setting

using equipment to test components, assemblies, and system performance

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) apply industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties supervision by a Professional Engineer / Geoscientist or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience) may be required.

For detailed official information about registration requirements, contact ASET.

Working in Alberta

Certified engineering technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory body in another province may transfer to Alberta as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist if the two jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practise independently in accordance with established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

What You Need

To register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience), you must have:

A designation as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) in good standing

At least 6 years of work experience in areas that relate to engineering or geoscience, with at least 2 years under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist in the your proposed area and scope of practice

At least 2 years of post-secondary education in areas that relate to your proposed area and scope of practice

At least 4 years of experience under the supervision and control of an Alberta Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist or at least 10 years of experience if your post-secondary education does not match your proposed area and scope of practice

3 professional references

Proof of compliance with ASET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program

Working in Alberta

Professional technologists with a license to practice engineering or geoscience are currently only recognized in Alberta. They may be eligible for a limited licence with engineering regulatory organizations in other jurisdictions. Information on obtaining a limited licence is available through the regulatory organizations.

Registered professional technologists in Alberta may transfer to another province and receive recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Applied Science Technologist by completing the process set by the local provincial regulatory organizations for technologists. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ASET website.

Prospects for advancement include supervisory work or other related positions. Further education is needed to become a biomedical or clinical engineer.

Biomedical engineering technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2241: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)

location in Alberta

employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)

occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)

size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the C141: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

A: High Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.